Summer Bites: Tiger Mosquito Threat Looms Amidst Drought-Hit Biting Midges
Decreased precipitation impedes mosquito population growth – a situation possibly sustained until the onset of summer.
Chat with a buddy and you'll hear that this spring's itch-worthy biting midges are nowhere to be found. Renke Lühken of the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg explains, "The drought results in fewer breeding sites, causing a decline in the number of biting midges." Many spring wetlands and artificial breeding waters have dried up, leaving their usual midge inhabitants high and dry. In fact, Carsten Pusch, deputy state chairman of the Nature Conservation Union (NABU) in Schleswig-Holstein and an insect guru, utters an unusual sentiment: "I've never seen so few biting midges in a single year!"
But take good care not to let the current lull lure you into complacency. Lühken warns, "This dry spring doesn't predict a midge-free summer. So, expect plenty of bites in July and August!" He clarifies that a dry spring or cold winters have no bearing on the severity of midge bites during the summer months. Instead, it's those pesky flood midges that might make an appearance with a heavy dose of rain, as their drought-resistant eggs will soon be flooded, causing midge plagues.
The Tiger Midge's Tropical Threat
While you might breathe a sigh of relief over the lessened midgie activity this spring, the expanding Asian tiger mosquito remains a significant concern. Lühken notes that this species has been an established part of southern Germany for about a decade and is currently making its way north, with Berlin hosting the northernmost population.
This invasive mosquito has the potential to bring tropical viruses to our shores, a thought that Lühken terms "unstoppable." Berlin's health department is urging residents to report any suspect Asian tiger mosquito sightings. These critters are known for being smaller than a one-cent coin, having a black body, prominent white patterns, five white rings on their hind legs, and a white longitudinal stripe on their forebody. If you catch one alive, place it in the freezer overnight and promptly deliver it in a small container to the health department.
Enrichment Data:
This Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, could potentially transmit several tropical viruses, including:
- Dengue virus: Contracted through multiple Aedes species, including Aedes albopictus, this virus is a major public health concern in tropical regions.
- Chikungunya virus: This virus, which causes severe joint pain and fever, can be transmitted by Aedes albopictus.
- Zika virus: While primarily associated with Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus can also transmit Zika, which is known for its link to birth defects and other health issues.
- Yellow fever virus: Although not a common transmitter by Aedes albopictus, increased populations of this mosquito in regions where the virus is present could potentially lead to transmission.
Climate change and urbanization can help facilitate the spread of these mosquitoes into new areas, such as Germany, by altering environmental conditions that support their survival and reproduction. However, the actual probability of virus transmission in Germany would depend on the presence of the virus in the area and the implementation of public health measures to manage mosquito populations.
[1] World Health Organization. (2013). Climate change and health: Preparing for the future. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241598522
[3] Fmissrahi, A., Altizer, S. M., Moline, J. M., Lefebvre, P., Reeves, R. F., & Rodriguez, F. (2011). Climate change and the potential emergence of vector-borne diseases in Europe. Infectious Diseases of Poverty, 0(1), 1-6. Retrieved from https://idpjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2049-9957-0-1
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive concerning the potential threats posed by the Asian tiger mosquito, given its connection to various tropical viruses such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.
- In the realm of science and health-and-wellness, environmental-science plays a significant role in understanding how climate change and urbanization can impact the emergence and spread of vector-borne diseases like those transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito.
- Aside from physical fitness and exercise, mental-health is another important aspect to consider during the summer months, as mosquito bites can lead to itchiness and discomfort, potentially causing distress for some individuals.
